Natural Treatment for Seasonal Allergies
Spring has sprung! And with the longer days comes new blooms and cherry blossoms, and an abundance of pollens. It’s a delight to many, except for those sensitive to pollen and seasonal allergies. The Canadian Allergy Foundation estimates that 20-25% have seasonal allergies, which is also called allergic rhinitis or hay fever.
While allergies can occur at any time of the year, spring is often the worst season. Pollen, usually a harmless substance, will trigger an immune reaction and histamine release in susceptible individuals. Antihistamines and decongestants are common practice, but they do not address the root cause of immune over-activity, they only suppress symptoms. Naturopathic medicine offers some excellent treatments to control and treat the root cause of allergies.
Here are a few things I like to consider in all of my allergy patients:
Vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is very important for a the immune system. I have been writing a lot recently about vitamin D and it’s wonderful sleep promoting effects, which is only one of the many mechanisms by which vitamin D improves allergies and the immune system. If you have allergies or any immune issue it is important to test your vitamin D, even if you have been taking D for a long time, to make sure you are in the correct range.
Adrenal function. The adrenal glands produce the important stress hormone cortisol, which has many actions on the body including anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy effects. If you have a lot of inflammation, have experienced excessive stress, or feel better with steroid medication, consider an adrenal test.
Digestion. Optimum digestion is the cornerstone of a healthy immune system. Food allergies, leaky gut, and yeast overgrowth are all common problems that can irritate the immune system, causing increased reactivity to normally harmless substances. I have had patients tell me their seasonal allergies have improved after removing gluten or other allergens from their diets. If you are having digestive symptoms and allergies, you may want to consider a hypoallergenic diet and gut healing protocols.
Detoxification. Reducing the body burden of toxins is an effective way to decrease allergy symptoms. We are bombarded with so many unnatural chemicals we were not designed to process, it is no wonder allergies and immune dysfunction are on the rise. Spring cleansing with nutrition and herbs is a great way to support the immune system.
LDA Immunotherapy (Low Dose Allergen Immunotherapy). I have been using LDA for many years in my practice, and i find it my single most valuable tool for treating allergies. LDA treats all types of allergy including foods, inhalants, chemicals and molds. Very weak dilutions of these allergens are given as a shot (or sublingual for kids) and helps to induce tolerance to the specific allergy. I find the inhalant mix very effective in treating hay fever, especially when combined with my other naturopathic practices.
If you are experiencing allergy symptoms and would like discuss your treatment options, give our office a call today or book an appointment online by clicking the button below:
